Supramolecular self-assembly of oligopeptide hybrid films with liquid crystal texture: effects on cell behaviour for vascular grafts

Tissue-engineered vascular grafts are increasing in popularity in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. However, poor mechanical strength, brittle texture and other defects restrict their extensive application. In the present work, oligopeptide hybrid films were prepared by L-tyrosine-derivative oligopeptide (TEA), polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The films were prepared with different PEG molecular weights and TEA contents. The chemical structures were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, while the micromorphology and self-assembly behaviour were examined using scanning electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The mechanical properties of the films were investigated, and the cellular behaviour was observed using polarized optical microscopy. The experimental results indicated that the degree of microphase separation depended on the molecular weight of the PEG and TEA content. The biocompatibility of the films improved as the TEA content increased. The liquid crystalline properties of the TEA affected the cell orientation. The films are expected to be incorporated into applications in the vascular tissue engineering field.